How to Treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone is anxious now and then - and there may be reasons to be concerned. People suffering from GAD are always in a state anxiety, which can impact their work, school or relationships.
GAD can be caused by genetics, trauma or chronic medical illnesses. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medication.
Medications
There are a variety of medications used to treat GAD and it's recommended to consult your physician about the benefits and effects of these medications. Generally, the first medications that are tried for anxiety disorders are antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes. These drugs can be effective in reducing anxiety, and may help with depression and other mental health conditions. These medications are typically taken for a brief period of time and are often paired with psychotherapy.
SSRIs block presynaptic transporters of serotonin to ensure that it is accessible for release. They block reuptakes of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters to increase neurotransmitter accessibility. Both have been proven to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, including GAD. They are frequently used as the first-line treatment of mental disorders like panic disorder or major depressive disorder. The medications in these classes include escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and duloxetine and venlafaxine. In addition, agomelatine, a melatonin-1/melatonin-2 agonist and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, has been found to be efficacious in treating anxiety disorders, although it is more commonly used for the treatment of depression.
It's important to remember that the majority of people suffering from anxiety disorders don't respond to treatment with medications at first. It can take four to six weeks before symptoms start to improve, so it's important to stick to your treatment regimen. If you don't feel better after a few months, speak with your doctor about changing the dosage or switching medications.
Some antidepressants that are older and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However these medications are not as well-established and are not as well-proven than SSRIs and SNRIs. They may cause more sedation and may cause more serious side-effects than the more recent drugs.
There is not much research on guanfacine or clonidine as treatment for anxiety. However, numerous studies suggest that these drugs are more efficacious than placebos. The addition of psychotherapy to the use of these drugs increases the adherence to treatment and reduces adverse effects.
Talking anxiety disorder treatments at home is a common mental health issue, but it can be difficult to treat. There are a variety of treatment options. Medications are often employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and self-help and talking therapy can aid in managing symptoms over time. Support groups are available to those with GAD.
Everyone is prone to anxiety from time time. However, those who suffer from GAD have a constant fear that can affect their daily lives. Anxiety, irritability and muscle tension are some of the symptoms. The majority of the time, the concerns tend to be about everyday concerns such as work-related obligations, family health, and other minor things, like chores such as car repairs or appointments.
GAD sufferers may not be aware of the cause of their anxiety, and these feelings can last for as long as six months. They might also avoid situations that trigger anxiety. Symptoms of this disorder are usually first noticed in childhood or adolescence. Symptoms may worsen when there is stress or illness and could even persist into adulthood.
Certain people are more predisposed to developing GAD than others, but there is no proven reason for this. There are theories that suggest it could be due to a genetic predisposition or a combination of factors such as temperament and environment influences. A traumatic event or a major life change like divorce or death of a loved one could cause the disorder.
There are many methods to treat GAD. However it is recommended to combine treatments is most efficient. Talking therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective method to manage your anxiety. This type of therapy teaches you to recognize and modify the negative thought patterns that trigger anxiety. It will teach you how to face your fears, rather than avoiding them in a secure environment.
You can lead a more peaceful, healthier life by reducing your anxiety. You can try exercise or meditation to help calm your body and mind. You can also enjoy time with friends and family to keep you from being isolated. You can also try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or guided visualization. You can join a support group to assist you in finding compassion and understanding.
Self-help groups
Everyone is anxious or nervous at times and these emotions can be a normal part of life. People suffering from GAD, however, have excessive, unrealistic, and persistent anxieties that they cannot manage. They are convinced that terrible things could happen and their anxiety can affect their daily routines. The symptoms last at least six months and are not caused by a medical condition.
There are many ways to treat GAD. The first is psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," which is a kind of treatment that requires speaking with professionals in mental health such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. This can help you recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behavior. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies to cope, like relaxation or stress management techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different approach to treat GAD. CBT helps you identify and challenge your maladaptive thought patterns. It will also help you gain control over your anxiety and gradually return to activities you've resisted due to anxiety. CBT can be incorporated to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is usually the most effective method to treat GAD. Treatments in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are generally first-line treatments, such as escitalopram (Lexapro), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva). These antidepressants reduce anxiety by altering the balance of chemical substances in your brain.
Self-help groups are a good alternative for those who are unable to afford to see a specialist or do not want to commit to a therapy session. They meet regularly and provide support to others with the same disorder. Some groups are run by professionals, whereas others are self-organized and informal. Meetings usually last about one and a half hours, and participants are able to share their experiences with one the other. Some groups charge a fee, while others don't.
Genetics, temperament, and environmental factors are all aspects which can cause GAD. For example, a child may develop anxiety if his or her parents suffer from the condition. Also, a traumatic event can cause anxiety. Certain diseases that are underlying, such as an excessive thyroid gland, could increase the likelihood of developing this disorder.
Psychotherapy
The most effective therapy for GAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on teaching you the specific skills to manage your anxiety directly. CBT assists you to gradually resume activities you avoided because of anxiety-related symptoms. Over time, your anxiety decreases as you build on your successes. You should be in close contact with your mental health professional to ensure you're following the treatment plan and not using supplements or herbal remedies to treat your anxiety, since they may interact with your medications.
In a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis clinical trials that were randomized, CBT was associated with both long-term and acute efficacy and acceptance for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Several different CBT treatments have been proven to be effective, including cue controlling alternative self-statements, relaxation training. A variety of other psychotherapies was also found to be effective, including schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Psychodynamic therapy can help you recognize negative patterns of behavior that have roots in your past experiences. This treatment makes use of open-ended questions to reveal the hidden patterns that contribute to anxiety. Therapy with a counselor can aid in improving your relationships with other people.
Schema therapy helps you overcome maladaptive behaviors and thoughts that are connected to childhood traumas. It is typically used to address unresolved childhood traumas, but it is also effective in treating anxiety disorders. In schema sessions, the therapist guides your eye movements to process your trauma in a manner that does not trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety can be debilitating. It is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you can. You can manage your symptoms with the proper treatment and lead a healthy, full life. Contact Active Path Mental Health for more information about our services or to schedule a first appointment if you are struggling with anxiety. Our offices are located in Oregon and Washington and we're here to help you take control of your life.